Safety and emergencies
Areas advised against, risks on the road and in town, scams and numbers to keep with you. Advice varies with the country that publishes it.
Crime
Crime is high: sometimes very violent attacks in isolated areas, parks and beaches; theft and burglary are common in towns. Never walk in town at night, carry nothing conspicuous, withdraw cash in shopping centres and do not venture alone into isolated regions.
Verified factVerified on 10/2/26High confidenceFrance Diplomatie, Travel advice: Madagascar, safetyHarassment and sexual assaults targeting women are increasingly reported: avoid isolated places, especially at night, and do not stay alone with strangers.
Verified factVerified on 10/2/26High confidenceFrance Diplomatie, Travel advice: Madagascar, safety
In town
In Antananarivo, tourist spots are particularly targeted (Rova steps, Avenue de l'Indépendance, Analakely market). Water and power shortages trigger demonstrations, sometimes with roadblocks, often in the evening: stay away and choose equipped accommodation.
Verified factVerified on 10/2/26High confidenceFrance Diplomatie, Travel advice: Madagascar, safetyFrance Diplomatie, Travel advice: Madagascar, useful information
Areas advised against
Take extra care in Anjozorobe (kidnappings). Avoid the Anosy and Betroka region (clashes over cattle theft) and Pic Saint-Louis. Do not hike in the Isalo canyons in the afternoon during the rainy season. In Diego-Suarez, use an official guide for Montagne d'Ambre; in Toliara, avoid La Batterie beach alone.
Verified factVerified on 10/2/26High confidenceFrance Diplomatie, Travel advice: Madagascar, safety
On the road
Never travel on national roads at night; prefer flying or a rental car with a driver, and do not travel alone. Ferries and boats are often in poor condition. A French licence is valid for 3 months on a short stay.
Verified factVerified on 10/2/26High confidenceFrance Diplomatie, Travel advice: Madagascar, safetyFrance Diplomatie, Travel advice: Madagascar, useful information
Sea, climate and natural hazards
From January to April, violent cyclones can strike, mainly the east coast: follow Météo-France Réunion and Météo Madagascar.
Verified factVerified on 10/2/26High confidenceFrance Diplomatie, Travel advice: Madagascar, safety
Useful contacts
Contact details taken from the official sources cited. Check them before going.
Emergency numbers
Police and ambulance 117 (mobile), fire 118, gendarmerie 119.
GOV.UK (FCDO), Madagascar travel advice: getting helpFrance Diplomatie, Travel advice: Madagascar, useful contacts· Oct 2, 2026
Central police station
Police.
France Diplomatie, Travel advice: Madagascar, useful contacts· Oct 2, 2026
Central police station
Police.
France Diplomatie, Travel advice: Madagascar, useful contacts· Oct 2, 2026
Central police station
Police.
France Diplomatie, Travel advice: Madagascar, useful contacts· Oct 2, 2026
Central police station
Police.
France Diplomatie, Travel advice: Madagascar, useful contacts· Oct 2, 2026
Embassy of France in Madagascar
Passport: FranceFrench embassy and consulate general in Antananarivo.
3, rue Jean-Jaurès, Ambatomena, 101 AntananarivoFrance Diplomatie, Travel advice: Madagascar, entry and residence· Oct 2, 2026
Sources for this guide
- France Diplomatie, Travel advice: Madagascar, safety · Source updated: September 15, 2026 · Checked on October 2, 2026
- France Diplomatie, Travel advice: Madagascar, useful information · Source updated: September 15, 2026 · Checked on October 2, 2026
AfriPilot is not an official body. Information comes from the sources cited and may change: each source's date is shown.